Couple’s plea: Help us find site to build new £6m centre for people with learning disabilities – Oxford Mail

A COUPLE is appealing for help to find the perfect place to build a brand new £6million centre for people with learning disabilities.

Rachael and Ian Scott-Hunter say the groundbreaking care centre will plug gaps left by years of austerity and be the first of its kind in Oxfordshire.

It would provide daytime support to adults with severe learning disabilities, as well as end of life care and vital respite for carers like themselves.

Mrs Scott-Hunter said they were inspired to start their centre, to be called the Alexandra House of Joy, through their experiences caring for disabled daughter Alexandra, 45, and their battle against cuts to day centres by Oxfordshire County Council.

But they still haven’t found the perfect site for the 10 bed centre and day service.

Mrs Scott-Hunter, who lives in Chesterton, said: “We ideally want to find somewhere in Bicester – so if anyone has any suggestions or could help us secure a site it would be an incredible help to us.

“As well as providing a service, I want to educate people so they understand how to care for people with learning disabilities.

“What we would like to do is work with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Oxford Brookes University and offer placements to students so they can learn how to help patients in the future with learning disabilities.

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